On Friday, October 25, 2024, the Philadelphia Ballet marked a significant milestone with its 60th Anniversary Gala performance and dinner.
Co Chairs of the Gala Sarah Marshall and Lloyd Freeman. A spectacular event, sold out and a success in raising critical funds for the company.
The one-night event celebrated the company’s history, achievements, and future. Chaired by Philadelphia Ballet Trustees Sarah Marshall and Lloyd Freeman, the gala also served as a fundraising opportunity to support the company’s performances and community initiatives.
The evening started with a pre-performance reception at the Academy of Music.
John and Jane Fischer, Bernadette and Russell Casey
Caroline Slota and John Sherman
Brandon Woods and Ashley Mariana
Congratulations to Phila Ballet Principal Dancers: Sterling Baca and Scarlett Suemez who were married a few days later!! Here with always stylish Rita Rome.
Nydia Han and Dennis Reilly
Brandon Woods and Ashley Mariana
Jessica Mathelier and Danielle Bourgeon, whose favorite quote is: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” ~Colin Powell
Guests enjoyed a spectacular program Angel Corella,The Ruth and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director, has created of ballet excerpts that showcases the artists of Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet II, School of Philadelphia Ballet, and Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra led by Beatrice Jona Affron, The Louise and Alan Reed Music Director.
After the performance the promenade took place as guests made their way from the Academy of Music to The Union League for dinner.
Beautiful art work The Heart of The Philadelphia Ballet by Perry Milou was on auction
Philadelphia Ballet Dance5rs Charlotte Erickson, Ashlee Lewis and Gabriel Lukasit
Diane Dalto Woosnam and Richard Woosnam
Beverly Deavens and Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross
Philadelphia Ballet artistic director Angel Corella and Shelly Power, Executive Director
There are two big galas coming up in the next 2 week. The Hair of the Dog affectionately known as HOD is January 20 and the Academy of Music 161st Anniversary Concert and Ball on January 27. People always ask me what should they wear when they attend these galas. I have a few examples from my “Best Dressed List” of both parties last year. (Need a Tux or White Tie, head to MenWearhouse on 1600 block Chestnut Street. For you guys going to Academy, we have a group number set up. Anyone will do, but if Will Speed is there, ask for him. -Ad)
First up is the Academy Ball.
The Academy Ball is a White Tie Gala. The most gallant, and strictest in criteria for dress.
For women it means formal, floor length evening gown, best jewels and often women will wear gloves. For men it’s black tail coat (not a white one like I originally thought the first time I went, opps) matching pants with a single satin or braid stripe, a white wing collar shirt, a white vest or white pique’ waist coat, studs and a white bow tie. Black shoes.
Not the correct bow tie or vest Mr Short
Gorgeous
Perfect
This duo is always on my best dressed list at a lot of parties,
but in this case his shoes may not be appropriate for a White Tie Gala
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Hair of the Dog is a Black Tie event
Formal evening gown or dress, or dressy cocktail dress. Males: Black tuxedo jacket, matching trousers, formal (pleated front or pique’) white shirt, black (silk, satin) bow tie, black cummerbund to match tie, optional suspenders, black patent shoes, black dress socks.
Jen Sherlock’s gown is perfect for either gala, although too much of a “nude” panel would not be acceptable at Academy Ball, while Jen’s friend cute cocktail dress is perfect for HOD
Vivian’s gown is perfect for HOD, and would be ok for the Academy Ball.
It’s gorgeous!!
These dresses are perfect for the HOD
Definitely adorable for HOD
Gorgeous gown, but the Academy Ball frowns on too much breast, where at HOD we celebrate it.
Hopefully these examples will give you an idea of what is appropriate for each event.
